Free Agent Big Man Gets Felony Charges Reduced

 

There are two free agent big men in legal trouble this offseason, one of them in much more dire circumstances than the other. For former Charlotte Hornets center Montrezl Harrell, he received a break today on his felony charge of trafficking marijuana.

Yahoo Sources: A felony charge against free agent center Montrezl Harrell on trafficking marijuana has been reduced to possession of marijuana and a misdemeanor, a judge ruled this morning. If he’s in good legal standing for next 12 months, misdemeanor to be removed from record.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 31, 2022

As reported by Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, Harrell has had his charges reduced to possession of marijuana in a Madison County, Kentucky courthouse this morning. If Harrell stays clean for 12 months, the charge will be expunged from his record. 

The 28-year-old seven-year veteran is one of the top remaining free agents, and this court decision today will likely expedite his landing with a new team. 

The change in Harrell's legal status should start to clarify where he lands in free agency for the 2022-2023 season.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 31, 2022

Harrell can provide a plethora of energy off the bench; he's a solid presence down low who is able to dominate in the paint at times. He finished last season with the Charlotte Hornets, and has also played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers over his career.

His years with the Clippers, 2018-20 were the zenith of his time in the NBA, where he averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 23.5 minutes per game.  He was named the NBA's 6th Man Of The Year in 2020, his final season with the Clippers. 

Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding Charlotte's other free agent (restricted), Miles Bridges, are much more troublesome, and there's currently no end in sight to his legal troubles.

Photo:Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports, Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports